Course Description:

This article discusses some of the most common blood borne pathogens and exposure to blood in an occupational setting. It identifies which factors contribute to risk of infection following exposure to blood. It also describes how occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens can be prevented. The article details the incidence rates of infection in healthcare personnel of the most common blood borne pathogens in health care settings, HBV, HCV, and HIV. Treatment recommendations for exposure to these pathogens, including vaccines for prevention, specific medications and other ways to reduce transmission are presented as well as what to do when the patient’s infection status is unknown.

In this brief article published by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all of the basics of exposure to blood are covered in a simple and direct manner. It is an easy resource for what to do in order to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens in a work setting as well as what can be done to reduce risk of infection if and when a blood exposure occurs

Psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, marriage and family therapists can benefit from this course on infection control. This course may also be helpful other clinicians and medical practitioners such as midwives, dieticians and nutritionists who work in hospital or medical settings where exposure to blood borne pathogens may exist.  This course is appropriate for beginning level practitioners who wish to learn more about blood borne diseases and how to protect themselves in medical setting where exposure to blood may occur.

Author:  Centers for Disease Control

Learning Objectives:  This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding blood borne pathogens and exposure to blood in an occupational setting.  Specifically, a professional will:

• Identify how occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens can be prevented.
• Identify what steps should be taken after exposure to the blood of a client or patient.
• Identify what follow up should be done after an exposure to blood.

Citation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2003). Exposure to Blood: What Healthcare Personnel Need to Know. Reviewed by TM DiDona, PhD 2020 and found to be current. 

For a full list of current references, please Click Here